Who is referred to as a tortfeasor?

A tortfeasor is specifically defined as an individual or entity that commits a tort, which is a civil wrongdoing that causes harm or loss to another party. The term encompasses a wide range of wrongful acts, including negligence, intentional harm, or strict liability offenses. In the context of law, identifying the tortfeasor is crucial because they are typically held liable for damages in a civil lawsuit brought by the injured party.

Understanding this definition clarifies why the other choices do not accurately describe a tortfeasor. A victim of civil wrongdoing is the person who has suffered due to the actions of the tortfeasor and is not the perpetrator. A witness to an accident provides testimony but does not engage in wrongful conduct. Lastly, although a legal representative may play an important role in a tort case, they do not commit the tort themselves. The focus remains on the actions of the tortfeasor, making that definition central to civil law proceedings.